The Council on American-Islamic Relation (CAIR) today hailed what it called a “victory for justice and civil rights” in the case of six imams who said their rights were violated in 2006 when they were removed from a US Airways flight in Minnesota and arrested.

Omar Shahin, one of six imams removed from a US Airways Phoenix-bound plane at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, in 2006.

According to the terms of the settlement, the six religious leaders will receive an undisclosed amount in compensation for the incident and that the case was resolved to “the satisfaction of all parties.” CAIR has championed the imams’ rights since they were removed from the plane.

“The settlement of this case is a clear victory for justice and civil rights over fear and the phenomenon of ‘flying while Muslim’ in the post-9/11 era,” said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad.

Judge Ann Montgomery ruled that the actions of the imams prior to their flight did not justify their detention. She noted that the imams were subjected to “extreme fear and humiliation of being falsely identified as dangerous terrorists.”

AAPAC to Host 12th Annual Banquet

The Arab American Political Action Committee (AAPAC) is scheduled to hold its 12th annual banquet at the Bint Jebail Cultural Center, 6220 Miller Rd in Dearborn, on Thursday, Oct. 29, at 6 p.m.

Organizers said several elected officials will speak in addition to one surprise guest.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call 313.582.4888 or visit AAPAC’s Web site at //aapac.org.

New Sheriff meets with Arab Americans

Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon hosted a group of Arab Americans at his west Detroit home on Oct. 16 to build ties with the community.

Sheriff Benny Napoleon, center, poses with a group of Arab Americans at his home Oct. 16.

Napoleon spoke at the gathering about maintaining a high level of respect between county law enforcement and residents.
Maher “Mike” Jaafar, a retired Detroit Police officer who Napoleon appointed his Director of Law Enforcement and Business Affairs in August, said Napoleon spurred the gathering on his own, and that holding the event at his home showed the sheriff’s genuine concern and comfort level toward the Arab American community.

“It was very nice gesture on his part. He’s a people person and he’s loyal,” Jaafar said. “He takes concerns seriously. If there’s anything that needs to be addressed, he gets the job done immediately.”

Superintendent sends letter to parents on swine flu

Dearborn Public Schools Superintendent Brian J. Whiston sent a letter home to parents last week to address the recent discovery of a case of the H1N1 flu at Edsel Ford High School.

The letter reassured parents that the student was at home recovering and is expected to return to school soon. It went on to say that no school closures have been recommended and will only consider if a large number of staff or students are affected. The letter also encouraged parents to keep their children home for at least 24 hours after being free of fever without fever reducing medication and encouraged good hygiene and hand-washing.

Parents can view the letter and further information in English and Arabic at www.dearbornschools.org.

Omar Shahin, one of six imams removed from a US Airways Phoenix-bound plane at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, in 2006.

Arab Americans meet with U.S. Rep. Kilpatrick
The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee Michigan, the American　Lebanese Center, the Congress of Arab American Organizations and U.S. Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, D-Detroit, met at the Congresswoman’s district office on Monday, addressing issues of concern including the upcoming 2010 Census, immigration reform, port of entry issues, foreign policy matters and ongoing current economic crisis.

The meeting was productive and all who were present agreed to continue this active, constructive dialogue as a means to work cooperatively to address issues related to the Arab American community locally and nationally,” ADC spokespeople said in a release.

Najee Mondalek as Im Hussein

AJYAL theatrical group to hold performances in Dearborn
The AJYAL Theatrical Group, lead by actor Najee Mondalek, known for his performances as the character Im Hussein, will present a new comedy performance at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, 15801 Michigan Ave. from Thursday, Oct. 29-Saturday, Oct. 31 at 8 p.m. each night.

Tickets are available for purchase now. For more information, or to purchase tickets for the play, visit www.arabamericantheater.com

Legal aid group offers information in Arabic on its Web site

The Legal Aid and Defender Association of Michigan is now providing legal information in Arabic on its Web site. The information includes documents, forms, and other types of legal assistance.

Legal Aid and Defender is the largest provider of free legal services in Michigan, whose mission is to provide comprehensive, aggressive legal advocacy and representation for residents of metropolitan Detroit. To view the information, visit www.michiganlegalaid.org.

ACC to kick off volunteer effort

The Arab American and Chaldean Council was expected to partner with the U.S. Census Bureau to launch a week-long volunteer effort on Friday, Oct. 23 in Detroit.

“Although this event represents an entire week of community service, ACC is committed year-round to whatever services we can provide for the various communities that we serve,” commented Dr. Haifa Fakhouri, ACC President and CEO.

The effort is part of a national community service volunteer campaign.

The group expects to recruit over 100 volunteers to beautify neighborhoods from Woodward Avenue to John R. Street in northeast Detroit, kicking the effort off at ACC’s Artisana Center, 55 West Seven Mile Road Friday morning.

BRIDGES holds meeting between community leaders and law enforcement officials

Building Respect in Diverse Groups to Enhance Sensitivity (BRIDGES) held its bi-monthly meeting at the Lebanese American Heritage Club in Dearborn on Thursday.

About 70 community leaders, government and law enforcement officials and guests gathered to discuss issues of concern within the Arab American community.

Jannah Scott, Deputy Director of the Center for Faith-based & Community Initiatives at DHS, which focuses on building and sustaining partnerships between government sectors and community and faith-based organizations, spoke about the center’s programs and stressed the importance of the involvement of Arab Americans.

“These meetings show that despite different perspectives on various issues, open dialogue is the most effective mechanism in creating better understanding between government agencies and the Arab American community,” said Imad Hamad, Regional Director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee Michigan and Co-chair of BRIDGES.　

Visit www.dhs.gov for more information on the Center for Faith-based & Community Initiatives.

Institute to hold event on “Muslims and America’s future”

An event titled “America’s Future, What Role Will Muslims Play?” will be held at 6 p.m. at the Islamic Center of America, 19500 Ford Rd. in Dearborn on Saturday, Oct. 24.

The event is part of the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding’s (ISPU) annual banquet. The ISPU is an independent non-profit research organization committed to studying US domestic and foreign policy. Hamza Yusif will be the keynote speaker and Dr. Juan Cole will receive the Scholar Award.

For more information contact Suehaila M. Amen at sueamen@lahc.org, visit www.ispu.org, or call 313.615.1515.

A group of women pose at the Sadr Foundation USA’s annual women’s breakfast Oct. 17.

Sadr Foundations observes Breast Cancer Awareness Month
The Sadr Foundation USA held its 8th annual women’s breakfast in Dearborn on Oct. 17, hosting about 550 guests in observance of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Ruth Chaplen a nurse and Wayne State University instructor with expertise in oncology keynoted the event. Sadr Foundation is a charitable group that operates locally and in Lebanon with a focus on women, orphans and the underprivileged.